You’re moving out of state for greener pastures. Moving any distance may add stress to your life and your family, but a long-distance move may seem especially daunting.
That’s why a professional moving company like Nelson Markesbery Moving & Storage may come in handy. Today, we answer frequently asked questions about long-distance moving.
How do I prepare for a long-distance move?
- Plan as soon as you know you’re moving
- Make and stay on a schedule
- Reach out to a professional moving company
- Hire a moving company at least two months in advance
- Make an inventory list of your items
- Determine what goes where in your new home
- Downsize by getting rid of unneeded items
- Wrap fragile items, or hire a moving company to pack for you
- Label boxes properly
- Utilize your Move Coordinator when you have questions
- Direct the movers where you want items
- Plan for your pets
- Determine where you will stay if the move takes more than one day
- Make sure the movers deliver everything
What defines a long-distance move?
A distance of 50 miles or more is considered a long-distance move, particularly if you cross state lines.
How do companies charge for long-distance moves?
Your costs for moving across the country are based on:
- Weight of the goods
- Distance the goods are traveling
- Additional services, such as packing or storage
- Adding a vehicle being secured and transported on a car carrier trailer
What is the cheapest way to move a long distance?
The cheapest way is to do it yourself, but that isn’t always practical for big moves.
How much does long-distance moving cost?
Costs vary, depending on the size and distance of the move. When you add various services, such as packing and storage, your costs will go up. You start with a base, minimum price, and then adding more rooms may help you realize savings.
How long does a long-distance move take?
It may take anywhere from 10 days to two weeks to complete a long-distance move, from the time you first start packing until the last box or piece of furniture comes into your new home. Various factors might change how much time it takes to move, such as weather, breakdowns, and rescheduling.
Why does long-distance moving take more time?
Moving companies may have other moves to handle in addition to yours, and the fact that drivers of large trucks can only operate a truck for 14 hours in a single day, including refueling and rest stops is also a factor.
What services do long-distance moving companies take care of?
Once you sign a contract for moving, you may have a wide range of services available to you:
- A Move Coordinator assigned to your move
- Loading and unloading the truck at your old and new location
- Packing your items ahead of the moving date
- Protecting doorways and floors
- Wrapping fragile items ahead of packing and moving
- Unloading items at a storage unit
- Taking apart the main parts of a piano
- Transporting your vehicle on a car carrier trailer
- Custom crating for bulky items
What is the best-rated long-distance moving company?
Allied Van Lines is the best-rated moving company in the United States for customer service.
What should I look for in a long-distance moving company?
- Flexibility (no-hassle schedule changes)
- Excellent communication skills
- Insurance and documentation
- Variety of services (junk removal, piano moving, etc.)
- Good reviews and recommendations
- Years of experience and certification
- Great rates (you often get what you pay for)
How much should I budget for a long-distance move?
Your moving costs depend on your individual situation, but you should budget anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. Prices go up based on how many rooms and items you have.
What is the best day of the week for a long-distance move?
Mid-week represents a great time for a move because weekdays are less expensive compared to weekends.
What checklist should I make for long-distance moving?
You should look over several things before you move as moving day approaches.
Here is a recommended timeline.
8 weeks before the move: Research moving companies and services to determine the best option for you. Once you receive a quote, you can budget accordingly. Make sure to schedule the move with your movers and pay them according to the contract. Research your new community and the surrounding areas near your home. Make a list of questions to ask your movers, if you hire a moving company. Discuss the move with your family to make sure they understand what’s happening.
6 weeks before the move: Order your moving supplies, including boxes, paper, tape, and bubble wrap. Book hotels, rental cars, or flights to make sure you have one that meets your scheduling needs. Notify schools of your move, if you have school-aged children. Make sure you have all of the right insurance to cover your move, including health insurance, car insurance, and homeowner’s insurance. Start taking note of tax-deductible moving expenses.
5 weeks before: Start strategizing the packing process, including deciding what appliances and large items to take with you. Plan and host a garage sale, provided the weather is warm enough. Start using up perishable items and food in the pantry to reduce the items you need to move. Donate things you no longer need, such as old clothing. Sell gently used items if they have no place in your new home, such as furniture, electronics, clothes, and more. Change your address on vital documents, such as insurance, bank accounts, and IDs.
4 weeks before: Start packing non-essential items because the next month will go by quickly. Get a tune-up on your car, including the tires, coolant level, brakes, and air conditioning. Dispose of hazardous chemicals and cleaners because you can’t pack them into the moving truck. Notify service providers, including your landlord, phone, home maintenance, utilities and internet of the change of address. Fill out a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service, and change the address for Social Security and Medicare benefits. Give your job one-month notice if you’re a manager and you’re off to another position at a different company.
2 weeks before the long-distance move: Start finding new services at your new address, such as doctors, dentists, internet providers, and more. Update your address with your bank and other financial institutions. Request time off of work, or give your job two weeks’ notice if you’re changing jobs. Gather up important documents and put them in one place, like a filing cabinet or strongbox.
1 week before: Start cleaning your old home, especially in rooms that are already packed. Finish last-minute errands, such as picking up dry cleaning, prescriptions, and shopping for the week’s food. Begin packing essentials, like kitchen utensils and kitchenware. Start compiling trash for the final weekly trash pick-up at your old home.
Day before: Pack clothes and essentials for your family, including items for your pets. Tell neighbors you trust that you’re moving and to expect a moving truck, particularly if you have an HOA that needs to know.
On moving day: Have water bottles and snacks on hand for you and your family. Take inventory of what goes in the moving truck and what stays with you in your personal vehicle. Do a final sweep of the house to make sure everything is packed, such as looking in closets, cabinets, appliances, and all corners of the house.
Related Post: Summer Moving Tips for Long-Distance Moves
Who offers long-distance moving services in Greater Cincinnati?
Nelson Markesbery Moving & Storage specializes in long-distance moves for customers moving to and from Greater Cincinnati and the I-275 loop. Contact us or call (859) 371-8111 for more information.
